How can I treat a collasped trachea ? She is 16 years old and has a CHF (congestive heart failure) but is in good health. I would like to treat this with herbs if possible.

I am assuming you are referring to a toy or miniature breed of dog as this condition in most common in these and rare in cats. It is not known why this occurs but animals with it produce chronic honking cough that is nonproductive, sometimes in conjunction with breathing difficulties. Dogs with this ailment are often obese therefore if this is the case, weight loss would be the first line of treatment. Please see the work of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst for further information and recipes. Stress reduction is also important as is restricting strenuous exercise.

Assuming your dog is not on any pharmaceutical drugs at this time, you might want to try a hawthorn berry and flower (Crataegus oxycanthus) glycerite to help the heart work efficiently. Herbs to help with coughing include mullein (Verbascum thapsus), elecampane (Inula helenium) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) but I would also suggest that you consult with a qualified professional in your area who has exerience with both animals and herbs to set up a programme that deals specifically with your animal’s condition. Such a person may be found through the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (www.vbma.org)